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Happy Tummy Expert

1 year ago

Dear Krishna murthy, Thank you for the question

WHO has given different BMI (Body mass index) classifications to categorise adults into different weight categories. BMI is a simple index of weight-for-height. It can be considered as a 2nd level indicator of overall health.

It can be calculated using a simple formula of BMI = Weight (kg) / Height (m²)

Following is the WHO BMI Classification

18.5 to 24.9 - Normal

Less than 18.5 - Underweight

25 to 29 - Overweight

Above 30 - Obese



As per WHO BMI (Body Mass Index) classification, a person weighing less than 18.5 kg/m2 is considered underweight.



The causes of underweight or unintended weight loss can be due to genetics, inadequate food intake, stress, hormonal imbalance, malabsorption or other underlying health condition which may require medical assistance.



An ideal weight management program such as weight gain involves lifestyle management including dietary modification, regular physical activity, hydration and good sleep cycle. With any weight gain diet, changes take time to reflect as your body requires sufficient time to adapt to the changes in order to show results.



A high calorie and high protein diet is recommended for weight gain. Daily protein requirement should ideally be followed as 0.8-1g protein per kg body weight. Some of the sources of high protein include pulses, lentils, milk, paneer, soybean, eggs, lean meat, nuts & seeds etc.  (If diarrhoea is present then avoid milk and milk products)

 

Diarrhoea, Regular gastritis, Abdominal discomfort can be a symptom of gastrointestinal digestive issues such as indigestion, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), intolerances etc., and/or due to an underlying health condition.

Do not skip your meals, ensure adequate intake of balanced diet along with good amount of vitamin C from citrus fruits etc.

Here are a few tips to help manage diarrhoea

• Replacement of lost fluids and electrolytes is necessary. Drink plenty of fluids such as water, fruit juices, buttermilk, vegetable clear broths etc.
• Oral intake of fluids, particularly those high in sodium and potassium such as an electrolyte solution is recommended
• Limit excess fiber and dairy intake
• Cooked apples, rich in pectin help in controlling diarrhoea
• Try to limit the foods like caffeine, spices, raw onions etc.
• Include prebiotics such as banana, soyabean, garlic etc., good sources of probiotics like yogurt, buttermilk etc., to maintain a healthy gut.

Here are few guidelines that can be considered for weight gain & general digestive health.

• Having a Healthy Diversified Balanced Diet that includes all the food groups in the right quantity which thereby provides you with all the essential macro and micro nutrients that your body requires daily for proper functioning. Include energy dense foods, keeping in mind the daily needs.
• Do not skip your meals, have small frequent meals at regular intervals.
• Eat a well-balanced diet including all groups.
• Include a minimum of 5 serving of vegetables and 1 serving of fruit in a day as they are good sources of fiber and essential nutrients such as vitamin A, Vitamin B, iron, zinc etc.
• Maintain a positive energy balance where the calorie intake should be more than the energy expenditure.
• Include energy dense foods, keeping in mind the daily needs. Some of the energy dense   foods include Whole wheat, multigrain, millets, nuts, colocasia leaves, banana, raisins, pulses/lentils etc.
• Three major meals a day with healthy nutritious snacks in between is preferred.
• Try to increase the serving size and portion size gradually and systematically
• Include healthy fats from nuts and seeds.
• Include prebiotics such as banana, soyabean etc., good sources of probiotics like yogurt, buttermilk etc., to maintain a healthy gut.
• Deep fried foods to be restricted. Method of cooking like baking, grilling, boiling, steaming is preferable over deep frying with excess fat/ oil.
• Try to limit the foods like caffeine, spices, raw onions etc.
• Food should be eaten slowly and chewed well as fast eating provokes gastric feeding reflex.
• Avoid lying down immediately after your meal consumption
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to maintain hydration
• Indulging in physical activity can help in increasing the appetite and give a feeling of hunger.
• Try to follow a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and quality.

For further diagnosis and assistance kindly contact your specialized health care professional or a Gastroenterologist.

For a customised and personalised meal plan for specific conditions, please contact your Health care professional.

Hope we have answered your query.

Wishing you a great day ahead

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